The Federal Government has rolled out a revised technical-education curriculum that will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session, streamlining trade courses to match industry demands and global best practices.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Bon Folasade, the reform will see all Federal Science and Technical Colleges converted to Federal Technical Colleges.

Announced by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and Minister of State, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the new policy mandates each college to run a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses. Students will now take between nine and ten subjects, including one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade-related subjects, and one elective.

The ministry said the redesign was guided by industry needs across construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, digital services, and creative sectors. It also seeks to reduce subject overload while equipping students with globally competitive, employable skills.

A key highlight of the curriculum is the introduction of Citizenship and Heritage Studies, alongside strengthened science and language subjects.

The 26 approved trade areas are:

• Brick laying, block laying and concreting
• Woodwork, carpentry and joinery
• Plumbing and pipe fitting
• Computer hardware & GSM repair and maintenance
• Refrigeration & air-conditioning works
• Mechanised agriculture (mechanisation / smart agriculture)
• Autobody works
• Catering craft practice
• Solar PV installation and maintenance
• Fashion design and garment making
• Livestock farming/animal husbandry
• Fish farming (aquaculture)
• Motorcycle & tricycle repairs
• Painting, decoration and finishes (interior design)
• Welding & fabrication
• Auto-electrical wiring
• Automobile mechanics
• Beauty therapy & cosmetology
• Creative media (digital media production/operations)
• Electronic systems maintenance craft
• Furniture making & upholstery
• Networking & system security (including satellite TV antenna installation and maintenance)
• Social media content creation and management
• Tiling & cladding (tiling and decorative stonework / floor-cover installation)
• Automobile CNG conversion and maintenance
• Leather works

The Federal Government said the reform reflects its commitment to repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a major driver of youth empowerment, employment, and industrial growth in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.